There was a name change, but I don't feel like messing with the URL too. So, the old name is back.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Training and new LDR

So, I'm training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, as mentioned before, but I don't exactly have a strict training regimen. I haven't followed any of the plans laid out in Runner's World, although I might need to more seriously consider them at some point. All I do is keep upping my mileage each week until I have comfortably past the distance of the next race I am going to run. I time myself as well to see if I am going to meet my race goal too, but that isn't a very exact science. So, for my last real race, a 10K, I kept upping my LDR until I hit 7-8 miles or so. I figured I'd have no problem running 6.2 miles if I was used to running longer distance. Same logic is in place for the 10 Miler. I have been running 10+ miles for two weeks now and today I ran the longest distance I've ever run in my life, 11.3 miles. I didn't time myself, although I think I was doing 10:00/mi pace or so. The wind was ridiculous and my knees didn't seem to enjoy it. But, like all LDRs, the last mile or two was almost effortless. I hit a flat stretch at the end and it just feels like I could keep running forever. Of course, then I hit that last hill and think I am going to die.

Not only did I hit a personal distance record today, but this is the crappiest I've ever felt after a run. It was like I got hit by a truck. I was sore all over and completely exhausted. My underwear was soaked, my hat was stained with salt, and I stiffened up immediately. But, at least I know I'll have no problem with 10 flat miles in the city in two weeks. Then, I've got to push myself to 15 miles or so in order to prepare for my half-marathon in early May. Of course, it is an off-road race, so who knows what that will mean. I should start doing some trail running, but I have no idea where some decent trails are around my house. I just hope I don't trip over a rock or fall in a stream.

I don't know how I'm going to find the time to do all this stinkin' running.

I did find a way to feel better, though. First, I stuffed myself with my wife's awesome cooking...a turkey meatloaf and some roasted brussel sprouts (roasted with bacon!). Then, I filled in the gaps in my stomach with butter pecan ice cream. Mmmmm. Now I will go sit on the couch and not move for the rest of the night.

One last thing. My goal for the 10 Miler is to complete it in 1:30 or better, which would be a 9:00/mi pace. I have come close to that in training, but who knows what will happen.